Day Tour — Tirana to Gjirokastër: UNESCO City of Stone

Gjirokastër is one of the most visually striking cities in the entire Balkans — a UNESCO World Heritage City of stone towers, Ottoman mansions, cobblestone streets, and one of the largest castles in the region, all rising dramatically above the Drino Valley. This full-day private tour from Tirana takes you there and back through scenic southern Albanian landscapes, with a coffee stop in Tepelenë — birthplace of the legendary Ottoman ruler Ali Pasha Tepelena.

The walking tour in Gjirokastër covers the massive hilltop castle with its panoramic views and fascinating exhibitions, the Ethnographic Museum in the house where Enver Hoxha was born, and free time in the Old Bazaar to explore, shop for handmade souvenirs, and photograph the extraordinary Ottoman architecture. A traditional Albanian lunch at a family-run restaurant is optional. All main attraction entrance fees, a multilingual guide, private transport, and bottled water are included.